Chemo brain after cancer: Why it happens and what helps

Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you’re there? Lost your words halfway through a sentence, or read the same email three times and still not taken it in?​At some point, you might start wondering:Why is my memory worse?Is this normal?Will it get better?​In this episode, Steph is joined by Rosie Grainger and Professor Nazanin Derakhshan to talk about cancer-related cognitive changes, often referred to as chemo brain.​Rosie shares what it’s been like to return to work as a doctor while her brain does not feel the same and Professor Naz brings research and clinical insight to help make sense of why these changes happen, what can make them worse, and what can help.Together, they talk about the impact of cognitive changes on work, parenting, confidence, and everyday life, and why so many people end up doubting themselves when this part of recovery is not spoken about enough.Inside the episode, we talk about:what chemo brain can feel like day to daywhy cognitive changes can happen after cancer treatment, not only after chemotherapyhow memory, focus, and mental fatigue can affect work and home lifewhy these changes are often confused with menopause, stress, or ageingthe effect on confidence, identity, and self-trustpractical ways to support your brain and make everyday life feel more manageableIf you’ve been wondering whether this is “just you”, this episode is a reminder that it isn’t.​Useful linksYou can find practical tools, exercises, and further support related to this episode here: life-aftercancer.co.uk/chemo-brain-memory-after-cancerDisclaimerThe information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health or notice any new or worsening symptoms, please contact your GP or your medical team.Some of the research and evidence mentioned in this episode reflects the speaker’s academic and clinical work. References, practical tools, and further resources linked to this conversation can be found on the episode webpage: life-aftercancer.co.uk/chemo-brain-memory-after-cancer​Connect with usSubscribe here: youtube.com/@life-aftercancerWebsite: life-aftercancer.co.ukInstagram: @life_aftercancerLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/life-after-cancer